Which transportation method is the cheapest but also the slowest?

Marine shipping is often considered the cheapest transportation method, particularly for large volumes of goods. This is due to its capacity to move significant quantities of cargo over long distances at a lower cost compared to other modes of transport. Shipping by sea utilizes large vessels that can carry thousands of containers, spreading the transportation cost over a greater amount of cargo.

However, marine shipping is also the slowest option. The transit times for sea freight can take several weeks, especially when calculating the time needed for loading and unloading, possible delays in ports, and longer routes compared to more direct methods like trucking or air cargo. This combination of low cost and slow speed makes marine shipping a practical choice for businesses that prioritize cost efficiency over the speed of delivery.